Denver Broncos record prediction: Picks for every game in 2020
By Samuel Teets
After an up and down 7-9 season, the Denver Broncos hope Drew Lock can elevate his game in 2020 and carry the franchise to the playoffs.
The Denver Broncos are the best team everyone is overlooking heading into the 2020 NFL season. Denver plays in the AFC West, alongside the reigning Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs. Living in Patrick Mahomes‘ shadow is keeping the Broncos from making a splash in the national media, but Denver should put up a fight against Kansas City this year.
Denver amassed talent on both sides of the ball during the first wave of free agency and the draft. Notably, the team added former Pro Bowlers in A.J. Bouye and Jurrell Casey on defense while also drafting three new wide receivers for second-year quarterback Drew Lock. While it’s unlikely Denver unseats Kansas City this year, the Broncos should make the playoffs.
This year, the Broncos face the 12th-toughest strength of schedule based on opponents’ winning percentages from last season, per CBS Sports. As usual, Denver battles their division rivals twice apiece. This year, the AFC West looks like the best division in its conference, with Las Vegas and Los Angeles both making strides over the offseason. At the very least, the AFC West will be one of the most entertaining divisions this coming season.
The Broncos also face the AFC East and NFC South this year. The AFC East is one of the weakest divisions in football. With the New England Patriots declining from their usual spot among the perennial Super Bowl contenders, the Buffalo Bills remain as the only impressive team in their division.
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The NFC South is another story. The New Orleans Saints are perennial Super Bowl contenders, and Tom Brady recently joined Tampa Bay’s stacked offense. Even the Atlanta Falcons and Matt Ryan can still put up a fight, and the Carolina Panthers recently changed starting quarterbacks. If things go seriously wrong, Denver could finish with a 1-3 record against the NFC South.
Denver plays two unique games against the Pittsburgh Steelers and Tennessee Titans. The Steelers barely missed the playoffs in 2019, and Tennessee went all the way to the AFC Championship game. It’ll be interesting to see how Denver stacks up against these established teams.